Fortune Minerals Limited Saskatchewan Metals Processing Plant Environmental Impact Statement Volume I – Main Document June
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Fortune Minerals Limited Saskatchewan Metals Processing Plant possible future expansion area Environmental Impact Statement Volume I – Main Document June 2011 Prepared For: Fortune Minerals Limited Prepared By: MDH Engineered Solutions Corp. Suite 1902, 140 Fullarton Street 232-111 Research Drive London, Ontario N6A 5P2 Saskatoon, SK S7N 3R2 Fortune Minerals Limited Saskatchewan Metals Processing Plant - EIS June 2011 Executive Summary Fortune Minerals Limited (FML) is planning to construct and operate a metals processing plant near Langham, Saskatchewan. This facility will be called the FML Saskatchewan Metals Processing Plant (SMPP). It will purify metal concentrates produced from FML’s NICO Gold-Cobalt-Bismuth-Copper (NICO) mining project in the Northwest Territories (NWT). The proposed SMPP will use proven hydrometallurgical processes to produce cobalt, bismuth, and copper cathode products, as well as bismuth ingots, gold doré, and a small amount of nickel precipitate. Annually, the SMPP will process approximately 65,000 tonnes of metal concentrate produced from the NICO mine. FML has prepared this Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to obtain environmental approval to construct the SMPP to meet global demands of high-value metal cathode products. On 19 July 2010, FML submitted an Environmental Project Proposal for the proposed SMPP to the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment (MOE). The MOE determined that an EIS was required for the project. MOE released draft Project Specific Guidelines (PSGs) for the development on 21 January 2011. The PSGs were finalized on 31 March 2011 after a review and input from the public. This document addresses the items identified in the PSGs. Numerous options and alternatives for the proposed SMPP project have been considered by FML. These include alternatives for the selection of the site, processing facility and site layout, water supply, water and residue storage, process solution disposal, and the metallurgical processes. FML is confident that the proposed plans to construct the SMPP have considered all viable options to ensure that potential environmental impacts are avoided and/or minimized. FML is committed to preventing or reducing adverse environmental effects associated with the project, wherever possible. General mitigation measures planned for this project include the following: Obtaining all required permits and approvals prior to construction; Using best practice, environmentally sound construction methods (i.e. minimal clearing, salvaging topsoil, etc.); Construction of appropriate containment systems (i.e. berms, perimeter ditches, ditches and ponds with engineered liners, etc.); Use of best available technologies to reduce water, power, and energy use; Use of best available technologies to reduce air emissions; and Development and implementation of a site Environmental Monitoring Program. These measures are intended to provide effective long-term containment and mitigation of environmental impact. Residual effects, following the mitigation measures, are expected; however, these effects have an environmental consequence rating of low to minor. Residual impacts are predicted to occur, at the proposed site, to the terrain, air emissions, soils, vegetation, surface water runoff, land use, and socio-economics. Impacts beyond the site boundaries are expected to be minimal. A summary of the predicted environmental effects is provided in this EIS and continual environmental monitoring during the facility operation and closure will ensure the appropriate mitigation measures are applied. Considering the potential impacts of the SMPP on the surrounding environment, there are no predicted cumulative effects from the M2112-2840010 Page i Fortune Minerals Limited Saskatchewan Metals Processing Plant - EIS June 2011 proposed project. The area immediately surrounding the proposed development is dominated by agricultural activities and the processing of metal concentrates has a negligible effect on this surrounding land use. FML acknowledges responsibility for all aspects of its operations. In keeping with this commitment, a decommissioning plan will be developed prior to the facility being commissioned, which will include a conceptual decommissioning plan, planned reclamation activities, and commitments to provide financial assurances for the facility closure. Since the selection of the proposed site, FML has diligently worked to keep government agencies and the public informed about the proposed SMPP. Various meetings and interviews have taken place with landowners, residents of Langham and Dalmeny, Rural Municipality (RM) representatives, and various media outlets to inform people of FML’s plans to develop the proposed project. M2112-2840010 Page ii Fortune Minerals Limited Saskatchewan Metals Processing Plant - EIS June 2011 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 The Proponent ........................................................................................................................................................ 1 2.0 PROJECT OVERVIEW.......................................................................................................................................... 2 2.1 Purpose of the Environmental Impact Statement................................................................................................. 7 2.2 SMPP Location ....................................................................................................................................................... 7 2.3 Project Schedule .................................................................................................................................................... 7 2.4 Market Information ................................................................................................................................................. 9 2.5 Project Management ............................................................................................................................................ 13 2.6 Consultants ........................................................................................................................................................... 13 2.7 Table of Compliance ............................................................................................................................................ 14 3.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION .................................................................................................................................. 25 3.1 Site Layout ............................................................................................................................................................ 28 3.2 Geotechnical Foundations ................................................................................................................................... 29 3.3 SMPP Process ..................................................................................................................................................... 29 3.3.1 Feed Preparation........................................................................................................................................ 31 3.3.2 Froth Flotation ............................................................................................................................................ 31 3.3.3 Pressure Acid Leach Oxidation of Cobalt Concentrate ........................................................................... 32 3.3.4 Cobalt Recovery ......................................................................................................................................... 32 3.3.5 Cobalt Metal Production ............................................................................................................................ 33 3.3.6 Copper Recovery ....................................................................................................................................... 34 3.3.7 Bismuth Recovery ...................................................................................................................................... 34 3.3.8 Gold Recovery ............................................................................................................................................ 35 3.3.9 Process Residues ...................................................................................................................................... 36 3.3.10 Water Recycling and Treatment Processes ............................................................................................. 36 3.3.11 Building Containment ................................................................................................................................. 36 3.3.12 Process Emissions ..................................................................................................................................... 37 3.4 Process Residue Storage Facility ....................................................................................................................... 38 3.4.1 Process Residue Characterization ............................................................................................................ 41 3.4.2 Long-Term Storage .................................................................................................................................... 41 3.4.3